First Night organizers make final preparations

Sunday

Dec 30, 2007 at 12:01 AM

NEW BEDFORD — With button sales remaining steady, First Night is on track to be at least as well-attended as last year's celebration, organizers say. Add to that the allure of AHA! activities for families, and this New Year's Eve could be the busiest the city has ever seen.

Jennifer Lade

NEW BEDFORD — With button sales remaining steady, First Night is on track to be at least as well-attended as last year's celebration, organizers say. Add to that the allure of AHA! activities for families, and this New Year's Eve could be the busiest the city has ever seen.

"With the variety of entertainment both indoors and out, the addition of trolley rides to get the crowds to and from the various venues and the added open eateries, we're counting on a better-than-ever attendance," said Claudia Ostiguy, vice president of First Night.

The night will offer a plethora of indoor events that are accessible with a $10 First Night button, and more activities will be offered by AHA!, which sponsors downtown cultural nights. Sticking with tradition, AHA! events will be free.

Businesses will be open and some activities start as early as 5 p.m., providing entertainment and attractions at several downtown locations.

After a fireworks display at 10 p.m., First Night ends, making it perfect for families with children and convenient for organizers, who can celebrate the new year at parties or at home.

"I kind of like the idea that everything is ending early," said Elaine Lima, owner of Elaine's T-Shirts on Purchase Street and former president of First Night.

"Everybody's going to be home before it gets too late."

Ms. Lima's shop will be open and will be the site of an AHA! event for children.

Gallery X is another downtown venue involved in First Night. The Toe Jam Puppet Band and the Miracle Fish Puppets perform there at 7:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.

"That has been our traditional act here," said John Nieman, a founding member of Gallery X and the building super.

A puppet parade from the gallery to Custom House Square is part of the entertainment, featuring one puppet that is 15 feet tall.

When asked whether free AHA! events could dissuade people from buying buttons, Ms. Ostiguy said AHA!'s offerings are more likely to increase attendance at paid venues, as more people venture downtown.

"If button sales are affected, it may very well be in a positive way," she said. "Devotees of AHA! who may be experiencing First Night for the first time may find they'd like to experience some of the indoor venues as well as enjoy the outdoor features."

Buttons can be purchased ahead of time at several stores in the area, or during First Night at Custom House Square. On Monday afternoon, First Night organizers will pick up unsold buttons at participating stores, giving them a better sense of how many people will attend the festivities. As of Saturday night, however, Ms. Ostiguy said sales were about the same as last year.

Weather can be a major factor in the number of people who turn out for First Night. The National Weather Service forecasts a high near 37 degrees and a 90 percent chance of precipitation during the day on Monday. That night, precipitation is less likely, and the low temperature is expected to be 29 degrees.